Typically this the sort of thing that could cause a rift within a team, or even serve as a sign of a preexisting rift. But, surprisingly, it seems like everyone involved was fine with it. In fact, Giannis himself has implied that it was a good idea.

After the Cavs game Giannis said he viewed the benching as motivation:

"I learned my lesson you know. I went to the game with the Knicks, I was angry. Coach Sweeney told me, 'Why [are] you angry?' Because I didn't play, I was fresh, I'm angry. He told me if you do it for that game, you gotta keep doing it in all the games. So I try to be angry when I play, I try to be mad...mean man!"

The Bucks are one of the league's biggest surprise teams, making the playoffs a year after winning just 15 games. While they aren't exactly title contenders, their Round 1 series against the reeling Toronto Raptors (if that's how it shakes out) could be a coming-out party for this newly revitalized Giannis.